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Causes of Threadworms

Threadworms are usually passed on by poor hygiene. When a person has threadworms, the eggs are laid around their anus, along with an itchy mucus. The person scratches the itchy area and eggs are transferred on to their hands. The eggs can then rub off onto other surfaces that can come into contact with people’s mouths such as children’s toys, kitchen utensils or toothbrushes. The eggs are swallowed and the infestation cycle begins again.

Threadworm is most common in small children because they are not fully aware of the importance of hygiene and easily forget to wash their hands. They are also in particularly close contact with one another, and sharing toys or holding hands while playing means that re-infestation is easy. It is also commonly found in family groups, especially those living in crowded conditions.

Animals cannot catch or pass on human threadworms.

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